OSHA Fines Subcontractor After Somerville Worker Dies

Last September, a demolition worker died at the site of a Walmart in Walpole, Massachusetts. Originally from Brazil, the 47-year-old worker was killed around 1am when the lights went out and the worker touched a live wire.

The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited and fined the worker’s employer for seven serious violations. According to OSHA, the company failed to implement an accident prevention program that included regular inspections by a competent person. It also failed to educate its worker about potentially unsafe conditions.

The electrical company has also been cited for six serious violations of the OSH Act. According to the citations, the company allowed workers to work near electric power circuits but did not ensure the power circuits were properly deenergized and grounded. Fines for both companies total more than $15,000.

The executive director of the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health said of the incident, “any company that employs workers in demolition work in the middle of the night with a comprehensive safety plan is asking for an accident.”

Some Select Cases are referred to other attorneys for principal responsibility

By publishing this information on this Website, the Boston, Massachusetts law firm of Altman & Altman LLP is not claiming to represent any clients or cases mentioned here. The content provided is designed to inform readers and is not intended as legal advice.